Countries and Their Cultures: Baha'is

The Baha'i faith originated from one of the sects within the Shiite Muslim religion in Iran. The Baha'i religion developed directly from the Babis, an extremely militant sect willing to die to convert the people of the world to their faith. Because of this zeal, the Babis were condemned and persecuted; their leader was executed. Some important changes in beliefs and methods led to the formation of the Baha'i religion and transformed militant Babism into the more peaceful Baha'i sect. The largest groups of Baha'is are in India and Malaysia.